Strong M6.0 earthquake strikes near the coast of North Maluku, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the BKMG as M6.0 hit near the coast of North Maluku, Indonesia, at 03:12 UTC (10:12 LT) on February 5, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 87 km (54 miles). USGS reported a slightly lower magnitude of 5.5 with a depth of 104 km (65 miles).
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 89 km (56 miles) SSE of Ternate (population 205 001), 98 km (61 miles) E of Tobelo (population 34 150), and 103 km (63.7 miles) SSE of Sofifi (population 36 197), North Maluku, Indonesia.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, BMKG reported.
According to the USGS PAGER, 286 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 773 000 light.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and significant damage.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
References:
1 M 5.5 – 89 km NNW of Ternate, Indonesia – USGS – February 5, 2025
2 M6.0 Northwest of West Halmahera-North Maluku – BMKG – February 5, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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